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This weeks member catch up is with 24 year old 400m runner, Tjimarri Sanderson-milera.

Growing Up and Moving on up

Tj, grew up in Adelaide and was (as most young boys from Adelaide) AFL crazy. He loved playing footy at his local club and having a bit of fun with his mates. Running for Tj came a little later on after he started getting into beach sprints and grass running. He soon realised that he was “alright” at running (and had won quite a few running events with his home club, Grange SLSC) so he decided to drop playing footy and focus on training athletics full time. Tj did his research to find a club and coach that had a great program and culture for training full time. His decision led him to the Gold Coast and joining the Currumbin SLSC and coach Brett Robinson to pursue his running career two years ago, a decision Tj has not looked back on.

Day to Day Training and Life

Training is a full time job for Tj, however, he manages to work part time for “Life Wear”, an Aboriginal design, clothing company based in Southport as well as continuing to develop his skills and knowledge as a Youth worker. His training schedule is “vibrant” filled with many different sessions to keep him on target. His weekly training session consists of: four track, two gym, one yoga, one water running, one 3km run, 3 Plyometric and two Recovery sessions.

Inspiration and Contribution

Tj draws his inspiration for success from the one and only, Cathy Freeman. Tj describes Cathy’s performance at the 2000 Sydney Olympics as not only a momentous occasion for the Olympics, but also for indigenous Australians. And it is from this inspiration that Tj is following his passion for running and laying down the foundations as a youth worker. Even though he found studying hard, he persevered, finishing high school and enrolled at TAFE to complete his studies in Youth Work. Tj is an ambassador for the Bright Youth Foundation, that focuses on aboriginal youth programs for indigenous young Australians.

The GOAL

Tj’s ultimate goal is to be selected in the Australian Team for the 2018 Commonwealth Games to compete in the 400m and 4 x 400m relay. Tj’s focus is well beyond his 24 years of age, ensuring his daily regime is planned, timed and executed exactly how he needs it to be. He believes”recovery is key to his training goals”.

We will be with Tj on his journey to the Commonwealth Games and beyond so be sure to get behind this great athlete and keep up to date on all things Tj @tjimarri.